2021 Summer Travel Tips with Etiquette Expert Sharon Schweitzer

Summer travel season is here!

With COVID-19 restrictions lifting across the country, many people are looking to take a trip this year. Traveling in 2021 will be much different than past years. How do you prepare?

The four’s Xavier Hershovitz spoke to c on her tips to make our summer travels as stress-free as possible.

Here are Sharon’s summer travel tips:

1. Follow CDC Updates: Avoid global travel unless fully vaccinated. While planning and before departure, look at the Review the latest . Consider watching your favorite station and read the latest online news about case numbers. Choose destinations where cases are more in control.
2. Follow recommendations for fully vaccinated travelers:

• During Travel
  • on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States
  • Follow all state and local recommendations and requirements, including mask wearing and social distancing
• After Travel
  • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms
  • Follow all  recommendations or requirements

3. Follow recommendations for non-vaccinated travelers:

• Before Travel
  • Get tested with a 1-3 days before your trip
• During Travel
  • on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States
  • Follow all state and local recommendations and requirements, including mask wearing and social distancing
  • Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet from anyone who is not traveling with you
  • Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol)
• After Travel
  • Get tested with a 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel
  • Avoid being around people who are at for 14 days, whether you get tested or not
  • Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms; isolate and get tested if you develop symptoms
  • Follow all  recommendations or requirements

4. Carry copies of proof of vaccination: Although you may not need to provide proof of vaccination in the USA, guidelines, requirements, and rules change daily, and sometimes hourly in other countries. Make a copy, laminate it, and carry it while traveling.
5. Bring extra PPE: Be prepared with extra disposable masks, antiviral wipes, hand sanitizer gel (avoid spray as it may irritate other passengers), and latex gloves. Scientists are monitoring and observing the various variants globally. Be prepared for unexpected travel announcements.
6. Ask or request first: We have been conditioned to stay 6 feet apart since March of 2020. Some travelers may wish to continue this distancing and we are not mind readers. A best practice may be to consider asking first. For example,

• Are you comfortable if I stand right behind you in line?
• Do you mind if I take that seat?
• May I ride in this elevator with you?
• Excuse me while I reach past you for my luggage

7. Contactless: Choose as many contactless transactions as possible when making purchases, checking-in, and checking-out of lodging.
8. Add extra days: Adding an extra day to the beginning or end of a vacation or trip may relieve anxiety. If your trip is derailed due to a covid restriction, having room to maneuver relieves stress. Be gracious and have a good attitude if a delay occurs.

“Wherever your travels may take you plan, know the COVID-19 guidelines, and put safety first for a smooth summer travel experience,” Sharon said. “If you are prepared for potential COVID-19 delays, the journey is much smoother. “